| Sorry to hear about your experiences but unfortuantely I'm not at all suprized. Bigotry exists everywhere (some just hide it better than others). I've observed plenty of open racism in Asia (Japan is one of the worst). But it's very prevalent in Hong Kong.
For example here in HK, the Filipina DHs are treated as Second Class citizens. On a recent Schenzhen trip I learned that even with their Hong Kong IDs they can't go through the regular resident lines in Immigration, they aren't allowed in most social clubs and even after legally living in Hong Kong for 7 years and paying taxes, they cannot get Permanent Residency.
When I was in Tokyo on business trip during the Virginia Tech shooting int he US, earlier this year, I couldn't belive the media which was focusing on the Shooter and making a strong point to mention that he was Korean (as that was the most important factor in his violent behaviour). To most in the US that kid was just an American crazed teeneager.
Being a Caucasian in Hong Kong has both advantages and disadvantges because of racism. For example police will often not bother harrasing you and many "privileged" services will be offered to you purely based on your race. At the same time you have a risk of being ripped off by paying "gweillo" prices.
It's sad, but you have to find a way to deal with shallow morons. |